Within the framework of preparations for the presidency of the EU, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Janez Janša, spoke at the 62nd session of the UN General Assembly. In his speech he stressed that Slovenia would endorse a common European approach in the UN and other multilateral forums. The priorities of Slovenia's Presidency will include environmental issues, the enlargement of the EU in the Western Balkans, intercultural dialogue, human rights, and maintaining peace and security.
(Photo: Tina Kosec/Bobo)
According to the PM, human impact on the environment is one of the main challenges of the global community, on which Slovenia pins hope on regional approach. "A common approach is necessary, due to the considerable impact of climate change, also on global security and stability. Country-specific solutions should allow space for realising development potential," said the PM, adding that the EU has shown it is willing and able to take initiatives in solving global problems.
According to the PM, the role of the United Nations in maintaining peace and security is indispensable. Under the mandate of the UN Security Council, Slovenian Armed Forces participate in strengthening peace and stability in South-East Europe, Afghanistan, Lebanon and Iraq. The PM stressed that creating equal opportunities for, and solidarity with, the disadvantaged nations were sustainable investments in world peace.
The PM said that Slovenia attached great importance to the concept of human security, which corresponds to the core values of the UN: development, safety and human rights. "Special attention is paid to children. The youngest victims of violence, poverty and deadly pandemics are also the most powerless." Therefore, Slovenia initiated the establishment of the International Trust Fund for De-mining and Mine Victims Assistance and the Together Foundation, which is concerned with the psycho-social well-being of children in societies affected by war. Slovenia seeks to actively participate in strengthening awareness of the urgent need for the peaceful coexistence of different cultures and worldviews. PM janez Janša expressed the hope of seeing the early establishment of a Euro-Mediterranean university, which will intensify intercultural dialogue.
At the end of his address, the PM recalled the words of one of the architects if the United Nations, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who at its birth predicted that change would be a regular feature of its development. "And indeed, the United Nations is still being constructed today. The great hopes of humankind depend on this common, never-to-be-completed work of ours. It is with this in mind that I wish the 62nd session of the General Assembly of the United Nations every success," he concluded.
Address by the Prime Minister
